The Cook Islands values and appreciates China's respect for its sovereignty, a stance that encourages other countries to establish diplomatic ties with the small Pacific island nation, said Prime Minister Mark Brown.
Brown paid an official visit to China from Feb. 10 to 16, during which he attended the closing ceremony of the 9th Asian Winter Games and met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang in the game's host city of Harbin in northeast China.
In an interview with China Central Television (CCTV) during his stay in Harbin, the prime minister shared his insights into his country's relations with China.
Respect is the cornerstone of China's policy towards the Pacific island countries. Chinese President Xi Jinping has emphasized that China fully respects the sovereignty and independence of these nations, their will, ethnic and cultural traditions, as well as the efforts to seek strength through unity.
Brown expressed his support for this policy.
"As a small country, we've always valued the respect that the People's Republic of China has afforded to the Cook Islands, since our signing of our formal diplomatic relations. And it is that respect of our sovereignty as a state that has no doubt also encouraged other countries to establish their formal relations with the Cook Islands. So that respect, as you called it, that is afforded to other countries, is certainly one that we very appreciate and certainly one that we return in same regard. Respect between countries, regardless of how large or how small they are, is a fundamental cornerstone of good relationships, building good relationships between our countries," said the Prime Minister.
Cook Islands highly appreciates China's respect for its sovereignty: prime minister
The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.
In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.
"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.
Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."
Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.
President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.
Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.
The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests
